Gatifloxacin

Dosage Forms Available

• Gatifloxacin can be taken orally (tablets), administered intravenously (injection) and instilled topically into the eyes (ophthalmic solution).

Age and Dose Restrictions

• Gatifloxacin is generally used for adult patients. However, the ophthalmic formulation can be used in children aged 1 year and above for the management of specific eye infections.

Contraindications

• Gatifloxacin should not be administered to patients with a known hypersensitivity to Gatifloxacin or any other quinolone antibiotics. Patients with such hypersensitivity may experience allergic reactions, which can be serious.

Other Medications to Avoid

• Gatifloxacin may interact with antacids (such as aluminium hydroxide and magnesium carbonate), sucralfate, supplements containing iron or zinc (such as ferrous sulphate and zinc gluconate), anticoagulants (like warfarin) and antidiabetic agents (such as metformin and gliclazide).

Overdose and Missed Dose

• Overdosing on Gatifloxacin can lead to severe side effects. If you suspect an overdose, consult your doctor immediately. Do not delay seeking medical assistance.

• If you forget to take your dose of Gatifloxacin, take it as soon as you remember. But if it is nearly time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to compensate for the missed one.

Management of Side Effects

Most side effects of Gatifloxacin are temporary and generally resolve upon discontinuing the medicine. However, if you experience any severe side effects or worsening of the symptoms, please consult your doctor. To manage common side effects:

• Drink lots of water to alleviate nausea and vomiting.

• Rest in a quiet and dark room to manage headaches.

• Avoid sunlight and wear protective clothing to prevent skin rash and photosensitivity.

Use in Driving and Operating Machinery

• Gatifloxacin might cause dizziness, a common side effect. If you experience this after taking Gatifloxacin, avoid driving or operating heavy machinery until you feel better.

Use in Pregnancy and Lactation

• Gatifloxacin should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the foetus. It is not known if Gatifloxacin is excreted in human milk. Please consult your doctor before using this medicine during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Caution in Other Conditions

• Patients with renal impairment should exercise caution while taking Gatifloxacin as dose adjustment may be necessary. Additionally, elderly patients may be more susceptible to side effects, particularly tendon disorders and blood sugar disturbances.

Special Dietary and Lifestyle Recommendations

• Maintain good personal hygiene to prevent the spread of infections.

• Increase your fluid intake to flush out bacteria from the body.

• Include more vitamin C-rich foods in your diet, such as oranges, grapefruits, strawberries, bell peppers, spinach, kale and broccoli, to boost your immune system.

• Get sufficient rest to help your body recover.